Page 55

‘I like her too.’

‘I know that.’ Sarah rolled her eyes at him, reminding him — yet again ‒ just how quickly she was growing up. Sometimes he really wished he could just hit pause for a bit.

‘And are you OK about me liking Liv?’ He didn’t know why he’d suddenly felt the need to ask. He and Liv had both been careful not to let Sarah see them as anything more than friends. They were both well aware that their situation was only temporary, and neither wanted to confuse or upset the little girl.

He might have imagined it, but he thought for a moment that Sarah had given him a strange look, before her face lit up happily. ‘I like Livvy, you like Livvy, and Livvy likes me and you. It’s all good.’ She’d got the American accent down perfectly.

‘I’m assuming Summer taught you that phrase?’

‘Yuppers.’

Callum shook his head, smothering a smile as he hustled her through the checkout and into the car. A few minutes later he waved to her as she skipped up his brother’s garden path, clutching her midnight snacks. He felt a slight pang as she raced through the open door, without even looking back. A few seconds later she and her soon-to-be step-cousin appeared at the window, waving and blowing kisses. Even from the car and through the window, he could see they were giggling as his brother leaned in the car window.

‘I can’t believe you let her bring that much sugar.’ He shook his head and laughed.

‘I’d apologise, but I know you’ll probably be sharing it with them. She made me buy raisins especially for you.’

‘Hope they’re chocolate-dipped.’

‘Of course. You’ve trained my daughter well to smuggle in your treats.’

He laughed. ‘Not my fault she’s such a willing accomplice.’

‘Thanks for having her tonight. And say thanks to Evelyn for me again as well.’

‘Are you kidding? We love having Sarah to visit. She and Summer are “BFFs”, which is apparently the single strongest bond two girls can have. And you know there’s nothing I wouldn’t do to see Summer happy.’

‘I know, bro.’ Callum clasped his hand through the window. ‘But I still appreciate it.’

‘Then bugger off and enjoy your free time. And give Liv our regards. Evelyn wanted to invite you all over to dinner, but said she seemed reluctant. Any idea why?’

‘It might be a bit much.’

‘How do you mean?’

‘Well, Liv and I are just friends. At least, as far as Sarah’s concerned.’ He tried to explain what he didn’t fully understand himself. ‘It’s one thing to go to a work party or something together, or grab food as friends . . . but an intimate family dinner? Just feels a bit wrong.’

‘One, I’d hardly describe any meal including two little girls as intimate, and two, I don’t know who you think you’re fooling. We can all see you’re crazy about Liv. And frankly, I can see why. If I wasn’t a happily engaged husband and dad-to-be, I might have invited her out myself. And your daughter’s no idiot.’

‘No, she’s not.’ Callum drummed his fingers on the steering wheel, not really sure what to say. ‘I should be going. Thanks again.’

‘And again, it’s no problem. We’ll drop Sarah back after lunch.’

‘OK. Thanks.’

* * *

Liv sighed happily and flopped back into her pillows. Though they’d had to be really organised to plan their time around responsibilities to the community, and Sarah, they’d still managed to find more than a few moments of time together. Alone together.

‘Do you think Evelyn is more of a chocolate or lemon person?’

The question was so random that Liv laughed out loud. ‘Why on earth are you thinking about that?’

‘I was thinking maybe I should bake her a cake or something, as thanks for having Sarah over again.’

‘She has been having her over a lot.’ Liv rolled over to study him. ‘Can you even bake?’

‘Yeah, Mum taught us all. She considered being able to cook, clean and work a washing machine basic life skills — and made sure we all learnt before we left home.’ Callum laughed.